Georgia is now one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students who want to study MBBS abroad. Reasons for the popularity of MBBS in Georgia: Its affordable fees, European curriculum, and Medium of English have made it a preferred destination. But one anxiety that I see students share is regarding the English requirement — namely, whether IELTS is mandatory.
Now let’s analyse the truth behind language requirements for MBBS in Georgia.
Is IELTS Compulsory for MBBS in Georgia?
Not necessarily the straightforward one. MBBS in Georgia with English medium studies is a tremendous medical education to have from GEORGIA, as more than half of all the universities there impart student life and medical studies in the Georgian language. Instead, universities can assess English language proficiency by the following:
- Academic background (English-medium schooling)
- Personal interviews
- Internal language assessments
So though IELTS is widely accepted, for MBBS in Georgia, it is not mandatory.
Why do some Colleges and Universities Need IELTS?
Below are a number of reasons why some universities demand IELTS scores:
Academic Preparedness
The education of medicine includes complicated terms, lecturing and clinician-to-patient communication. IELTS is the university’s guarantee that the student has a level that enables them to comprehend academic English.
Visa or Institutional Policy
I shared with you the good news that a lot of institutes do not give much importance to the scores in IELTS.
Clinical Communication
During hospital training, it is vital to communicate well with both patients and staff. IELTS shows that you can communicate in such a discussion.
But these are rules specific to the institution, not a nationwide dictate.
Importance of NEET UG — Far More Significant Than IELTS
The eligibility factor is the NEET UG qualification for Indian students. National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations state that the NEET qualification is mandatory for taking admission into MBBS courses abroad and to subsequently appear in FMGE/NExT in the country.
This is to say that NEET is much more important than IELTS for your future medical licensing in India!
Admission Without IELTS — (Does it Really Work?)
A lot of colleges for MBBS in Georgia accept students without IELTS if they fulfil the below mentioned prerequisites:
- Completed 10+2 in English medium
- Good performance in the subjects of PCB (Physiology, Chemistry and Biology)
- Qualified NEET UG
Universities will occasionally test communication skills by inviting you for online interviews or short tests in English instead of IELTS.
This is a money-saver in terms of time and the test takers don’t need to invest in IELTS preparation.
Why is it good to take the IELTS even if it’s not needed?
While there may not be an IELTS requirement, here’s why it’s a good idea to prepare and take the test:
Improved Communication Skills
A good English level will facilitate listening to lectures, reading medical books and clinical meetings.
Future Opportunities
You may need to take IELTS in future if you are going for postgraduation, research or licensing exam in English-speaking countries.
Clinical Confidence
Good language skills also give confidence during the treatment of patients, particularly with international patients or faculty.
With IELTS Training, students who are doing mbbs in Georgia get a good start for their career.
University Recognition Matters More
When picking a school abroad, it’s all about the recognition and not just what languages are required. Your medical college should be:
- National Medical Commission (NMC) prescribes the following scheme of examination
- Included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Working to the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria and standards of medical education
These recognitions are what actually determine whether you are eligible to take licensing exams and practice medicine — not IELTS.
IELTS vs No IELTS — Quick Comparison
|
Aspect |
With IELTS |
Without IELTS |
|
Admission Speed |
Slower |
Faster |
|
Extra Expense |
Yes |
No |
|
Language Skill Proof |
Strong |
Based on schooling/interview |
|
Academic Comfort |
High |
Depends on student |
|
Mandatory for MBBS in Georgia |
Not always |
Commonly accepted |
Do You Really Need IELTS?
You should take IELTS if:
✔ You did not attend school primarily in English
✔ You are insecure in speaking English
✔ You cultivate career opportunities around the globe
✔ It is specifically desired by the university
You may skip IELTS if:
✔ The university offers admission without it
✔ You have studied in the English medium
✔ You are fine with academic English
✔ You're looking for quicker admissions processing
Conclusion
IELTS is helpful, however, not mandatory for students pursuing MBBS in Georgia. The basic eligibility needs still need to qualify for NEET UG and get admission in a University recognised by NMC, listed in WDOMS, following the WHO criteria.
Also, if you know the basic English language and can manage without IELTS than go ahead, there’s no such rule at universities to provide IELTS. Nonetheless, having a well-polished approach to communication will reinforce your path through academia and in the clinic.
